Delta Airlines Pet Policy - Cabin & Cargo Guidelines

Planning to fly with your pet and wondering about the rules? Delta Airlines allows small cats, dogs, and household birds to travel in the cabin on domestic flights. For larger pets or international travel, Delta offers pet transport through its Cargo service. However, as per the Delta Airlines pet policy, the airline does not accept animals as checked baggage.
This blog explains all the details, including allowed pets, carrier guidelines, fees, and travel rules for both cabin and cargo transport. So, let’s get started. 

Can You Bring Pet on Delta Flight? 

Yes, passengers can bring the pet in the cabin or as cargo, as long as the animals meet Delta’s requirements. But service animals are handled under a different policy and do not follow the same rules as regular animals. 

Pets allowed on Delta Flights:

• Dogs and Cats: Allow for both in-cabin and cargo.
• Birds: Cabin and on domestic U.S. flights only. 

What Are the Rules for Bringing a Pet in the Cabin?

Delta permits small pets in the cabin with the owner. But they must remain inside a carrier throughout the flight, and there are limits on the number of pets allowed per flight.

Cabin Travel Rules:

• Pet permits: Dogs, cats, and birds

Minimum age:

• 10 weeks old for U.S. flights
• 16 weeks older for international flights
• 15 weeks old for EU destinations
• Pet must stay inside a soft- or hard-sided carrier under the seat in front of you. 
• One pet per passenger (exceptions for unweaned litter)
• Must be leak-proof and well-ventilated
• The pet must remain inside the carrier at all times
• Documents Required for Pet Travel on Delta

For U.S. Domestic Flights:

• No documents are required for in-cabin pets
• For cargo, a health certificate from a licensed vet is typically required

For International Travel:

• Health certificate issued by a vet 
• Rabies vaccination certificate
• Microchip and rabies antibody test
• Import/export permits

Which Pet Breeds are Not Allowed to Fly on Delta?

Delta Airlines limits various breeds from flying due to health and safety concerns. It includes snub-nose breeds. These restrictions apply to pets traveling via Delta Cargo. 

Common Restricted Breeds:

Snub-nosed dogs (not allowed in cargo or sometimes in cabin):

• Bulldogs Pugs
• Boston Terriers
• Shih Tzus
• Boxers

Snubnosed Cats:

• Persian
• Exotic Shorthair
• Himalayan
• Burmese

What Is Delta Airlines Cargo for Pets, and When Is It Required?

The Delta cargo is a shipping service for animals that cannot be carried in the cabin due to size or route limitations. However, if the pet is more than the cabin carrier size limit, the passenger can use the cargo to bring the pet to the arrival city. 

When to use:

• The pet is too large for the cabin. 
• Passenger traveling to/from a country that does not allow in-cabin pets

Key Points:

• Book travel 14 days in advance
• Pets must be dropped off and picked up at the cargo location, not the terminal. 
• cats and dogs are accepted (no birds or other animals)

Which Destinations Do Not Allow Pets in the Cabin?

Delta does not allow cats and dogs in the cabin on some international and domestic routes. It is because of the airline restrictions or government regulations. So, if arrival city does not accept pets, passenger are not allowed to board the flight. 

Pets are not allowed in the cabin on flights to or from:

• Hawaii
• United Kingdom
• Australia
• New Zealand
• United Arab Emirates

How Can I Book Pet Travel on Delta Airlines?

Before arranging travel for pet, first book your flight. Because the seats for animals is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. However, to make a reservation, visit the website or call Delta Airline. Here are the ways: 

For in-Cabin pets:

• Book your ticket first by entering all the required details. 
• Then call Delta Reservations at 800-221-1212 to add the pet
• Seats are limited per flight, so book early. 

For Cargo Pets:

• Contact Delta Cargo directly via deltacargo.com
• Booking must be made 14 days in advance

How Much Does It Cost to Bring a Pet in the Cabin?

Delta Airline charges a pet traveling fee for the cabin. However, the fee are non-refundable and will be charged at the check-in. But it may vary depending on the route and when the ticket is issued. 

In-Cabin Pet Fees (One-Way):

• $75:  (to/from U.S. Virgin Islands)
• $95: (within U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico)
• $200:  (for international travel)

If you are Flying to Brazil:

• $75 USD (for tickets issued before April 8, 2025)
• $200 USD (for tickets issued on or after April 8, 2025

Does Delta Allow Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)?

No. Delta no longer accepts emotional support animals as service animals. If you have an ESA, it must travel as a regular pet. However, the size restriction, carrier, and fee may apply. 

• In the cabin (if eligible)
• Or in cargo
• All standard pet fees and rules apply

What is Delta Policy on Service Animals?

For the service, trained animals, Delta let passengers to travel in the cabin,  but they must meet the requirements. Only dogs are accepted, and they must be trained to assist a person with a disability.

Key Rules:

• Only dogs are accepted (no cats or other animals)
• You must submit the U.S. DOT Service Animal Transportation Form
• Dogs must be trained to perform a specific task
• Dogs must be seated at your feet (not in the aisle or seat)

Tips to Follow When Traveling with a Pet

Traveling with animals requires more planning to make the trip hassle-free. The following are the steps that help pets safe, comfortable, and calm throughout the journey. These are: 

• Book early (limited seats for pets on each flight)
• Select direct flights when possible
• Get the pet used to its carrier in advance
• Feed the  pet 4 hours before the flight
• Label the carrier with contact information
• Bring extra pads and a copy of vet documents

Conclusion

Overall, Delta allows animals to travel, but with strict rules. Small pets can fly in the cabin, while larger can be carried via Cargo. However, before booking a seat, passengers must follow the travel guidelines and Delta Airlines pet policy as well. Moreover, prior to flying, check the restrictions and after that, have the documents ready and book a flight in advance. 

Whether traveling with a small cat or dog in the cabin or arranging cargo transport for a larger pet, know the rules for a smooth travel experience.